PSTAR Exam Guide

Once called the Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations, the PSTAR (officially the Student Pilot Permit or Private Pilot Licence for Foreign and Military Applicants, Aviation Regulation Examination) is one of the exams needed to obtain a Student Pilot Permit.

Ask yourself:

• When two aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, who has the right of way?

• In an emergency requiring the use of an ELT, when should it be turned on?

These and many more are covered in the PSTAR exam.  PSTAR contains 50 random questions selected from a pool of 200, based on the following subject areas:

• Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)

• Air Traffic Control Clearances and Instructions

• Air Traffic Control Procedures - VFR Traffic at Controlled Airports

• Air Traffic Control Procedures - Uncontrolled Airports & Aerodromes

• Special VFR Regulations

• Aeronautical Information Circulars

• NOTAMs

The pass mark is 90% and the exam will be corrected to 100% with your instructor.  90% sounds difficult but don't worry, there are many study guides available.  If you do not score 90% or better, you will take the exam again with another 50 random questions.

"I LEARNED": Do not just memorize the answers by using the apps or study guides, take the time to research and understand the questions and answers as these will be the foundation of your flying knowledge.  Your flight instructor will be more than happy to review weak areas with you, just ask.

Transport Canada PSTAR Study Guide

Even Transport Canada wants you to do well.  They publish a great study guide here. 

PilotTraining.ca Online Ground School

PilotTraining.ca Online Ground School has a great self-paced online course to prepare for the PSTAR.  The course includes:

• 15 presentations with over 400 slides

• 18 hours of ground school video

• 200 practice questions

Robyn's Improved PSTAR Study Guide

Robyn's Improved PSTAR Study Guide leads you through the 200 published questions from Transport Canada with their answers.  Not only do you get the answer but if you click on the question reference number, you can read an explanation of the answer. 

PSTAR Study Apps for Mobile

PSTAR Prep by Pilot LIfe

The 14 Categories of the PSTAR

The guide is broken down into 14 categories:

1. Collision Avoidance

2. Visual Signals

3. Communications

4. Aerodromes

5. Equipment

6. Pilot Responsibilities

7. Wake Turbluence

8. Aeromedical

9. Flight Plans and Flight Itineraries

10. Clearances and Instructions

11. Aircraft Operations

12. Regulations - General Airspace

13. Controlled Airspace

14. Aviation Occurences